2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Who Needs Roads When You Have Dirt?

Introduction

The threat of snow can mean a lot of things for Baltimore residents. Some worry about road conditions during their commute to work and others -this one is for you kids- do their snow dances all night, hoping that school will be cancelled the next morning. At Jerry’s we did exactly what current FJ Cruiser owners do at the thought of a big snow storm. We put on our snow boots and hoped for the worst!

While we didn’t get the snow necessary to really have some fun with this bad boy, we did get to take it out on the road and play around with it. What we found is that the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is not just fun to look at, it's also VERY fun to drive. Plus its dependability makes it fit right at home with the Toyota family.

The FJ Cruiser has maintained many of the same features that made us like it back in '07. It features a thick chassis, as well as a wide angle of approach and departure (which indicates a vehicle's ability to drive off a ramp or obstacle without damaging it’s body). The 2012 FJ Cruiser also has an available locking rear differential, to help make it a great off roading vehicle.

Body Styles and Trim Level

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a four door, five-passenger SUV. It features two regular front doors and two half-sized hinged doors in the rear.

The 2012 FJ Cruise is offered in one trim level and it comes standard with 17-inch black steel wheels. On the inside of the vehicle there is an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, water-resistant cloth upholstery and heavy-duty vinyl flooring.

As far as entertainment goes the 2012 FJ Cruiser is equipped with a six-speaker sound system that you can be used to blast music out of the CD player or from the iPod/USB audio interface or auxiliary audio jack. Lastly the FJ Cruiser is equipped with Bluetooth, satellite radio and steering wheel controls.

Under The Hood

Each 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 that is able to produce 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It has standard rear-wheel drive and can be equipped to feature a five-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The FJ Cruiser features two available 4WD systems. The first is a part-time system that comes on the five-speed automatic, while the other is a full-time system attached to a six-speed manual along with a locking rear differential.

The FJ Cruisers EPA-estimated fuel economy as an automatic with 4WD is 17 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined -- typical for off-road SUVs. The manual 4WD FJ Cruiser gets 15/18/16, and the rear-drive FJ gets 17/20/19.

Options

What the 2012 FJ Cruiser lacks in trims it makes up with its optional packages.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruise is offered with a number of available packages, depending on your region.

The Convenience package does exactly what the title suggests, make it more convenient and easier to use. This package adds power mirrors, a rear wiper, keyless entry, cruise control, a rearview camera as well as adding an auto dimmer to the rearview mirror. Other additions include a rear privacy glass, a rear wiper and a spare tire cover.

Next up we have the Upgrade package which adds an upgraded traction control system for the four-wheel-drive models as well as an electronically controlled locking rear

differential, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, extra gauge and trip computer functions and an 11-speaker JBL sound system that is equipped with a six-CD changer.  The Upgrade package also adds 17-inch alloy wheels, which are also available separately.

The Off-Road package adds Bilstein shock absorbers, the locking rear differential and the upgraded traction-control system and the extra gauges mentioned above.

The TRD package adds special 16-inch alloy wheels, BFGoodrich off-road tires and different Bilstein shock absorbers.

Aside from the above mentioned packages the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser has a number of noteworthy dealer-installed accessories including a large roof rack, a cargo cover and rock rails. Other additions include accessory driving lights and a passenger armrest. The incredible optional packages and additional accessories makes the FJ Cruiser a very customizable vehicle, that can be made to suit the driver.

Safety

The 2012 FJ Cruiser is standard equipped with antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side airbags, active front head restraints and side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Ergonomics

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruise has an awesome retro-themed dash that is color-keyed to match the car’s exterior. Controls are placed within easy reach and are easy to find and see which makes the vehicle very ergonomic. It offers a generous 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Driving Impression

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is able to drive over most obstacles with ease, making it a wonderful off road vehicle. However driving it is not strictly an off roading vehicle, as it was surprisingly good on pavement. The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers precise steering and a very smooth ride, which by comparison, puts the Jeep Wrangler to shame.

One thing that we noticed is that the 2012 FJ  did not have the greatest outward visibility, however after driving it for a while it was hardly noticeable. Still, for the next models Toyota should look into expanding visibility.

Verdict

This is a vehicle unlike many other off road ready SUV’s. It offers a perfect balance in comfort and off roading power and has enough features to make comparable vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, look basic.

If you love having a little fun off the pavement, are looking for a comfortable ride with great options then look no further than the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. We promise you, this is a car for sport, not kids.

Jerry’s Auto Group Visits the Baltimore Auto Show

Last weekend members of the Jerry’s Auto Group staff got the chance to attend the 2012 Baltimore Auto Show at the Baltimore Convention Center, in Downtown Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore Auto Show happens every year and it is a chance for the big auto makers to rub shoulders with the competition and show off their new models.

Some of the auto makers there included : Scion, Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford,  Jaguar, Chrysler and Hyundai, and the displays were nothing short of awesome!

So what did we like (and disliked) about this year’s Baltimore Auto Show? Let’s find out! And to watch our video on the event go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rYwFhnrp9U&feature=youtu.be

Thumbs Down

Hyundai and Ford attempted to outdo one another by bringing in robotic creatures to entertain their crowds. That is fine and dandy; however the end result was the scaring of every child in the building. To be honest the Ford robot wasn’t too bad, as it mainly did a short standup comedy routine and made some wise cracks towards the audience before explaining the Ford product, however the Hyundai robot looked like a menacing robotic beast right out of a “Transformers” nightmare.

At one point the Hyundai robot started walking around the displays, appearing to be “malfunctioning”, which made it blurt out nonsensical statements while it did its menacing strut all over the building. I guess they got the hint when the robot encountered fear everywhere it went. Note to self Hyundai

Another thing that we didn’t like was that some big auto makers were missing. While the selection of cars was excellent, we were disappointed not to find any BMW or Mercedes vehicles there. Another big name car maker that was missing was Mitsubishi, which we found to be inexplicable.

Thumbs Up

At first glance Chevrolet almost made it to the Thumbs down list with their display. Unlike all the other auto makers who had intricate designs to their displays, Chevy had a plain Chevrolet sign on its side of the show, and around it had its vehicles. It wasn’t until I took a closer look that I realized that Chevrolet was letting their vehicles do the wowing.

Chevy brought the big guns to the event, featuring a heavy set cast from all models. Their selection of Corvette’s and Camaro’s specially left us breathless, featuring Corvette’s that we would trade our homes for, and Camaro’s that would make any Chevy fan blush. Chevrolet even brought the Bumblebee Camaro from Transformers to the event (Editors Note: I was half expecting the Bumblebee Camaro to morph into a robot and fight the Hyundai robot during its evil rampage.)

Chrysler had a bland set until we set eyes on the new Jeep Wranglers and the New Jeep Grand Cherokee.  

The new Wrangler’s offer a return to the old Wrangle look, while at the same time adding a better top, a much more comfortable and cargo friendly interior, and a better set of features. It looks the part of the old jeep, but it fits the part of the new age. Their Grand Cherokee’s also offered some improvements, making it a classier vehicle that seems to be looking to compete with the big high class SUV’s.

Scion's display was a big winner

The biggest winner of the Baltimore Auto Show however has to be Scion. Scions display was an innovative effort that made it stand out above the rest. Featuring their full selection, they managed to create a comfortable club atmosphere, while at the same time organize their display by elevating their tC, xB and xD models on a tall platform, so they could be easily seen by everybody. It was impossible to miss the Scion display, and they managed to pull off their display wonderfully, taking most of the 18-25 crowd (which is their target audience) and leaving them hypnotized on their product.

Verdict

While the shunning of Mitsubishi and other big automakers left us a big shaken, the Baltimore Auto Show had the right selection to make us forgive them.  

The 2012 Baltimore Auto Show had a little bit for every member of the family, featuring games for the kids, older models, food displays and most importantly, a huge car selection that everybody could love.  We can’t wait for next year, where we will definitely be there to cover this magnificent event.

Jerry’s Auto Group is located in Baltimore, MD and offers great service for our four stores (Toyota, Chevrolet, Scion and Mitsubishi) and many other vehicle make’s. For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to jerrysitsaboutyou.com.

2012 Toyota Tacoma

We just got the chance to play with a brand new 2012 Toyota Tacoma and we gotta give it to you Toyota; You just prove to us why the Tacoma is still the #1 selling compact pickup.

The Toyota tech team did well on the 2012 Tacoma. It now features a restyled exterior look and a redesigned interior with many upgrades implemented to increase comfort, audio performance and make it more user friendly.  

So without further ado we introduce the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

Exterior Design

2012 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab 

The 2012 Tacoma looks like a whole new Tacoma from the outside. It is equipped with new front grilles for all trims as well as a new hood, headlamps, upper and lower bumper areas and updated fog lamp housing. The Toyota Tacoma comes with three available configurations: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab.

Models equipped with the Regular Tacoma Cab have a 109.6-inch wheelbase. Models with the 4x2 Access Cab have a 127.4-inch wheelbase. Models that come equipped with the Tacoma Double Cab model have the option of either a 5 foot bed (60.3 inches) or a 6 foot bed (73.5 inches). The Double Cab models that come with the standard five-foot bed have a 127.4-inch wheelbase, while the Double Cab long-bed models with the 6 foot bed use a 140.6-inch wheelbase.

The Tacoma's composite inner bed was built using a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and walls that are about 10 percent lighter than steel.

Interior Design

The 2012 Tacoma offers a sportier design than previous models, and some of that is thanks to its redesigned instrument gauge panel. The Access Cab and Double Cab models have a standard center console that flows right into the instrument panel. The center console can fit 3 cup holders, two of them being for extra-large containers (Big Gulp cups anyone?).

One of the Tacoma’s best (and smartest) features is the Sound absorption material in the headliner and behind the rear seat that help provide a much quieter cabin than previous models.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a considerably bigger (3.3 inches vs. 2.4 inches on old models) higher-resolution display screen for the available back-up camera. It also has an extra overhead storage compartment and an available rearview mirror that features the addition of a compass (for all of your travelers).

 Access Cab models of the 2012 Tacoma offer a new rear-console storage box.

Regular Cab Automatic 4x4 models feature standard bucket seats. Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab models have power windows and door locks, bucket seats and a center console. In Double Cab models come standard with power mirrors and adjustable lumbar support for the drivers seat.

New Audio Choices for 2012

The Access Cab models of the 2012 Tacoma now offer a new optional six-speaker system with an AM/FM/ radio that has a single-disk CD player and Satellite Radio. It also has Bluetooth which allows for hands-free phone usage, as well as USB port to connect your IPod or flash drive directly to the car.

The Double Cab V6 takes it a step further by having an even more advanced display audio system that is powered by 7 speakers and comes equipped with navigation, Toyota Entune services, SiriusXM Radio and HD Radio complete with iTunes tagging. The system plays through a JBL® GreenEdge audio system. The GreenEdge system is an awesome addition because it lowers the amount of electric power consumed by the vehicle, thus reducing fuel consumption.

Performance

The 2012 Tacoma has two available engines: first up is a 2.7-liter 4 cylinder Dual Overhead Cam that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque. The second choice is a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that provides 236 horsepower with 266 lb-ft. of torque.

The Tacoma also has optimized its fuel consumption and performance by including a Electronic Throttle Control System in the 2012 models. The V6 can either be partnered with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder models offers either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Access Cab models also have the option of a V6 Tow Package, which then increase their maximum tow capacity up to 6,500 pounds. 

Safety

Every Tacoma model comes equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Smart Stop brake override technology.

2012 Tacoma’s can also boast that they have standard three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seat-mounted side airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a front advanced dual-stage airbag system.

One cool feature that can be found in the Tacoma’s front head rests is that they are designed to move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions, in order to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest.

Handling

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma offers a TRD Off-Road Package available for 4x4 V6 automatic models which includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). These two features are great for those of you that have to drive in icy conditions as it will help your vehicle from sliding down a hill. Every Tacoma model comes standard with an Automatic Limited-slip Differential (Auto-LSD), which helps reduce tire slippage at the rear wheels.

Warranty

We know truck buyers like to have their fun, and for this a top warranty is very important to the long term safety of your vehicle. With the Tacoma’s warranty, Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance for 2 years and 25000 miles. They will also pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance.

Options

Both the Access and Double Cab models have several optional packages. The SR5 Package equips your Tacoma with color-keyed over-fenders and front bumper, a chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim. This package also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever for the automatic transmission.

The TRD Sport Package features its own suspension tuning and equips your Tacoma with lower-profile 265/65 R17 tires and 17-inch alloy wheels. This package also gives the 2012 Tacoma a sportier look by including fog lamps, a hood scoop and TRD graphics. This package also includes color coordinated rear bumper, mirrors, door handles and the surrounding areas of the grill.

The Tacoma also has a TRD Big Brake system available to provide effective braking performance under continuous use. The Big Brake system uses 13 x 1.25-inch semi-floating vented rotors that come with directional internal fins, forged aluminum four-piston fixed calipers, bigger brake pads made and braided steel lines. This system drastically improved the braking in your Tacoma, and gives it a much better feel.

Verdict

The Toyota Tacoma has everything that truck lovers will love and enough extras to make some new fans. It has many available options that make it a very customizable driving experience, giving drivers the option to make it whatever kind of pick up they want. Combine that with a great warranty, excellent safety features and a great entertainment system and the 2012 Toyota Tacoma becomes a must drive in our book.

Jerry’s Auto Group is comprised of its Chevrolet, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Scion stores, and is dedicated to providing customers with the best service possible. To check out our selection of Toyota’s visit Jerry’s Toyota at 8001 Belair Rd, Baltimore MD 21236 or check us out on the web at http://jerrystoyota.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at @jerrystoyota or visit us on facebook at facebook.com/jerrystoyota.